System specs
2019 13-inch Dell XPS 13 7390, i7-10710U, 16GB RAM, 2TB Samsung Evo 970 Plus
2x 2560x1440 144hz Dell 27" Gaming Monitors (S2719DGF)
MX Keys, MX Anywhere 2, Creative Pebble Speakers
eGPU hardware
Aorus Gaming Box + GTX 1080 + 1.5M TB3 Cable
Hardware pictures
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Installation steps
Windows
Performed fresh install with 1909 USB, let windows updates download all required drivers while EGPU was plugged in.
Debian
Installed nvidia proprietry drivers
Created egpu.conf file in /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/disabled/egpu.conf
Added the following to .bashrc
# startx if logging in on tty1
#if [ -z "$DISPLAY" ] && [ $(tty) == /dev/tty1 ]; then
# startx; logout
#fi
# If not running interactively, don't do anything
case $- in
*i*) ;;
*) return;;
esac
# startx if logging in on tty1
if [ -z "$DISPLAY" ] && [ $(tty) == /dev/tty1 ]; then
# Automatically detect EGPU and change xorg.conf accordingly
# requires egpu.conf in /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/disabled/
DIR=/etc/X11/xorg.conf.d
FILE=egpu.conf
TEST=$(lspci | grep -c " VGA ")
#Check for number of GPU's --
if ([ $TEST -eq 2 ]); then
#egpu connected
if ([ -e $DIR/$FILE ]); then
break ;
else
cp $DIR/disabled/$FILE $DIR/$FILE
fi
else
#no egpu
if ([ -e $DIR/$FILE ]); then
rm -f $DIR/$FILE
fi
fi
startx; logout
fi
Benchmarks (External Monitor)
UserBenchmarks: Game 104%, Desk 135%, Work 83%
CPU: Intel Core i7-10710U - 87.7%
GPU: Nvidia GTX 1080 - 99.6%
SSD: Samsung 970 Evo Plus NVMe PCIe M.2 2TB - 341.8%
RAM: Hynix H9CCNNNCLGALAR-NVD 2x8GB - 71%
MBD: Dell XPS 13 7390
Comments
I recently upgraded from the Dell XPS 13 9360 and so far gaming performance seems better but the system runs much hotter and louder. I did undervolt and add thermal pads to the Dell XPS 13 9360 so I will have to investigate that on this new system and report back.1
Dell XPS 13 9360 Linux + Dell XPS 13 7390 Linux/Windows + AORUS Gaming Box GTX 1080
2019 13" Dell XPS 13 7390 [10th,6C,U] + GTX 1080 @ 32Gbps-TB3 (AORUS Gaming Box) + Linux & Win10 1909 [build link]
@sadxps Welcome aboard! Thank you for sharing this excellent build. Is the Gaming Box in storage mode in the photo? I hope it gets breathing room while in use.
• external graphics card builds
• best laptops for external GPU
• eGPU enclosure buyer's guide
2021 15" ASUS TUF Dash F15 [11th,4C,H] + RTX 3080 @ 32Gbps-TB4 (AORUS Gaming Box) + Win10 2004 // my 3rd RTX 3080 build [build link]
@sadxps Welcome aboard! Thank you for sharing this excellent build. Is the Gaming Box in storage mode in the photo? I hope it gets breathing room while in use.
Thanks @itsage, I've been a long time lurker so I figured it was time to share!
The Gaming Box lives right where it's pictured most of the time, there is a hole cut out underneath it (the UPS is directly below but with a 20mm spacing) that allows it to pull in fresh air. The EGPU idles at ~44c and maxs at ~82c which is a little hot but totally reasonable!
Dell XPS 13 9360 Linux + Dell XPS 13 7390 Linux/Windows + AORUS Gaming Box GTX 1080
2019 13" Dell XPS 13 7390 [10th,6C,U] + GTX 1080 @ 32Gbps-TB3 (AORUS Gaming Box) + Linux & Win10 1909 [build link]
Very cool! Those temps are not bad at all.
• external graphics card builds
• best laptops for external GPU
• eGPU enclosure buyer's guide
2021 15" ASUS TUF Dash F15 [11th,4C,H] + RTX 3080 @ 32Gbps-TB4 (AORUS Gaming Box) + Win10 2004 // my 3rd RTX 3080 build [build link]
Hi) Can you run an metro: EXODUS benchmark at 1440p resolution? If you will make it, can you make a screenshot of your settings please? Thanks for reply
To do: Create my signature with system and expected eGPU configuration information to give context to my posts. I have no builds.
.Sorry @jaffy_good I don't have that game so I can't provide benchmarks for it.
Dell XPS 13 9360 Linux + Dell XPS 13 7390 Linux/Windows + AORUS Gaming Box GTX 1080
2019 13" Dell XPS 13 7390 [10th,6C,U] + GTX 1080 @ 32Gbps-TB3 (AORUS Gaming Box) + Linux & Win10 1909 [build link]
@sadxps Thanks for this guide-- I have the same model XPS with a Razer Core X and AMD 5700XT. While I got it to work with Windows (not without problems), I cannot get Linux to recognize it. Would you mind dumping your egpu.conf file here?
Thanks!
To do: Create my signature with system and expected eGPU configuration information to give context to my posts. I have no builds.
.
@robert_ward, could you add your build somewhere? I'm looking to get the exact same setup! :).Got a MacBook Pro + bootcamp right now but am really tired of all the hassle (it doesn't work properly like half of the time).
@sadxps what do you mean with the system running hot and loud? The XPS or the AORUS? Do you keep the XPS closed when running games by the way? Thanks for the build!
I seem to be gettin a lot less performance.
Even thou I'm using a lower resolution and a slightly better CPU.
Do you have any idea what the problem might be?
Specs: Lenovo Thinkpad P1 Gen 2
CPU: I7-9760H
Memory: 16 gb ram 2666
GPU1: T1000
GPU2: Intel 630 HD
GPU3: Aorus gaming box 1080
During testing I have disabled both the T1000 and the Intel GPU.
I use a 2560x1080 @75hz external monitor
To do: Create my signature with system and expected eGPU configuration information to give context to my posts. I have no builds.
.
@robertjan_rensen, I think it might be the different Thunderbolt implementation of Coffee lake vs Comet Lake
To do: Create my signature with system and expected eGPU configuration information to give context to my posts. I have no builds.
.